This is the story of two women, one Irish and one American, who trade houses without ever having met. They are both looking for an escape from their problems, but by running away, both come to discover a great deal about themselves.

This book made me wonder what I would do if I switched houses with someone. I found it very engrossing and hard to put down. Binchy's understanding of human emotion is unmeasurable or comparable.

My first Maeve Binchy and I liked it a lot. Took me awhile to get all of the characters straight - there really are a lot.

I purposely re-read this one for the third? time. I had a little vacation away, and knew this would be the perfect read. The story and characters draw me right in.

Maybe a 3.5.

I feel very strangely about this book. I found it both horribly boring and completely engaging at the same time. I generally like a lot of plot and a fast paced novel, but this book was the complete opposite. Much more character building and a slower, less intense plot.

I hated Danny and Rosemary, though I suppose I was supposed to. I felt bad for both Ria and Bernadette for being in love with such an asshole. I didn't have that much sympathy for Rosemary though. I felt sympathy for both Mona and Polly for the same reasons regarding Barney.

Towards the end I thought it was building up to Jack killing Gertie and I'm so glad that didn't happen.

I'm also glad that Ria didn't end up with Danny again. I liked the idea of Andy but that wouldn't have been incredibly realistic and I like the prospect of Colm and I'm happy that it ended on an ambiguous note in that regard. Also Greg surprising Marilyn in Ireland was a really touching point in the novel and I was happy that they were able to work through Dale's death and keep their marriage in tact.

An Irish version of the holiday, this book was chock full of relationship issues, drama, and the occasional Irish swear word. I quite enjoyed it.

Gave this a reread after not reading it for many years. Glad to know that it still holds up.

Finally got around to listening to this. Not bad although it's about women revolving around men. Great narrator though.

3.5 stars